Blair's pledge on new terror laws

TONY Blair has vowed to rush through tough new anti-terrorism laws if police demand them in the wake of the London bombings. The prime minister told the House of Commons the investigation into the attacks was "among the most vigorous and intensive this country has ever seen".

TONY Blair has vowed to rush through tough new anti-terrorism laws if police demand them in the wake of the London bombings.

The prime minister told the House of Commons the investigation into the attacks was "among the most vigorous and intensive this country has ever seen".

He said the government would go ahead with its planned Counter Terrorism Bill, which will include a new offence of "acts preparatory to terrorism,", but Mr Blair added: "If, as the fuller picture about these incidents emerges and the investigation proceeds, it becomes clear that there are powers which the police and intelligence agencies need immediately to combat terrorism, we will reserve the right to return to parliament with an accelerated timetable."

Mr Blair made the statement as it was announced that a mass vigil will be held in Trafalgar Square on Thursday to remember those who died in the bombings.

During the event at 6pm there will be a roll call of the dead and poems of remembrance.

On the same day, a two-minute silence will be held at midday across Europe.

Remarkable

Mr Blair told MPs: "July 7th will always be remembered as the day of terrible sadness for our country and for London. Yet it is true that just four days later London's buses, trains and as much of its Underground as is possible, are back on normal schedules.

"Its businesses, shops and schools are open, its millions of people are coming to work with a steely determination that is genuinely remarkable."

Mr Blair also had a message for the Muslim community, some of whom fear a backlash after last Thursday's outrage.

He said the overwhelming majority of Muslims stood four square with other communities.

He added: "Together, we will ensure that though terrorists can kill, they will never destroy the way of life we share and which we value, and which we will defend."

Tory Leader Michael Howard paid tribute to Mr Blair for the "calm, resolute and statesman-like way" the government responded to the attacks.

CCTV pictures of the July 7 bombers could be available to police within two weeks.

Analysing thousands of hours of CCTV footage was likely to take about a fortnight, terrorism expert Dr Andrew Silke said.

Dr Silke, from the University of East London, also said based on comparisons with the Madrid bombers there was a "genuinely high risk" of repeat attacks.